Groups quiz Leeds council chief on spending cuts

The meeting will be held at the Civic Hall on Monday

Council bosses in Leeds are to be grilled by voluntary and community groups who fear they could be affected by public spending cuts.

Third Sector Leeds, an alliance of voluntary and community organisations, faith groups and social enterprises, have organised a meeting on Monday.

The city council's chief executive and directors of adult social care and resources will be questioned.

The council expects to have to make spending cuts of £150m by 2015.

It has said that some services will have to be reduced and others stopped altogether.

A spokesman said the meeting would be an opportunity for Third Sector Leeds to "talk to and influence decision makers and find out how the cuts might impact on their organisations' own budgets".

Kathryn Fitzsimmons, chairman of Third Sector Leeds, said: "We deliver a diverse range of activities and services which reach and represent some of the most marginalised individuals and communities.

"We also make an important contribution to the economic strength of the city, with 20,000 employees and a wage equivalent value of close to £40m.

"Monday's meeting is crucial if we are to properly understand the challenges ahead."